November 08th, 2017

God Speaks to Elijah
Sunday, November 5, 2017

So, I have had technical difficulties these past couple of weeks.  But I hope that we are the road to recovery.

This past Sunday we talked about the story of Elijah and when God spoke to him.  Elijah was having a rough day.  He was the only prophet left, all the others had been killed.  Elijah himself had been told that he would be killed.  And, now God comes and asks Elijah to go and anoint God's chosen people to carry on God's plan. 

Elijah doesn't want to do it.  Elijah wants to run and hide from God.  As a matter of fact, it seems like Elijah wants God to strike him down and be done with it, instead of doing what is being asked of him.  

Has there been a time your life where you are being asked to do something that you do not want to do?  That you are afraid of doing.  Or you just don't think that you can do it?  

How did you handle that situation?  Did you have people who supported you?  Who were they?  How did they support you?

Elijah does not want to do what is being asked.  He is afraid that he is doing it in vain, that all of the people who worship God will be wiped away, or will worship other God's, so what's the point.   But God comes to Elijah.  God sends an angel to feed and nourish him for his journey, and then to encourage him to continue on his journey.  But still Elijah could not hear God or  feel God's presence.

It wasn't until there was sheer silence, that Elijah could sense God and here God speaking to him.

Have you ever had an experience where you could not hear someone speaking to you, and the situation had to change for you to hear them?  

Elijah is afraid, and God recognizes what Elijah needs in order to be able to hear God.

Is there a time in your life when you felt God's presence?  Felt God speaking to you?  When was that?

   I know, for myself, when I need to focus myself to hear God, I sit in silence.  I often drive in silence and let my mind wander.  I often feel that God is directing my thoughts.  Another place I feel God's presence is when I am watching nature.  A beautiful sunset, butterflies flying, or in the midst of a great thunderstorm.

   God speaks to us in many ways.  The question is, do we allow ourselves to hear God's call, God's presence.

As always, I look forward to our conversation,
Pr. Marilyn